The Supreme Court closed the cases against spiritual leader Sadhguru's Isha Foundation, where two women had alleged illegal confinement. The court stated that the proceedings should not be used to malign people or institutions. The case was filed by a professor who claimed his daughters were "brainwashed" to stay at the Isha Yoga Centre run by the foundation. The court had previously paused the Madras High Court's order to probe the allegations.
Sadhguru's Isha Foundation: Supreme Court Closes Cases
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has closed all cases against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation, where two women had alleged illegal confinement. The court emphasized that such proceedings should not be used to malign people or institutions without substantial evidence.
Background
The Isha Foundation, founded by Sadhguru in 1992, is a renowned yoga center and spiritual organization. In 2020, two women filed petitions in the Madras High Court, alleging that they were illegally confined at the Isha Yoga Centre for several years. They claimed that their families were pressured into sending them to the foundation and that they were subjected to coercive practices.
The High Court ordered an investigation into the allegations, which led to a petition filed by a professor who claimed that his daughters were "brainwashed" by the foundation. The Supreme Court subsequently stayed the High Court's investigation order.
Supreme Court Ruling
On February 10, 2023, the Supreme Court decided to close the cases against the Isha Foundation, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations. The court observed that the proceedings had become a "witch hunt" against the foundation and its leader.
The court also expressed concern that such allegations could damage the reputation of the foundation and could discourage people from seeking spiritual guidance. The court emphasized that proceedings should be initiated only if there is a reasonable basis for belief that a cognizable offense has been committed.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What were the allegations against the Isha Foundation? The allegations included illegal confinement, coercion, and brainwashing.
2. Who made the allegations? Two women and a professor who claimed his daughters were "brainwashed" by the foundation.
3. What was the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling? The court closed all cases against the Isha Foundation, stating there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
4. Why did the court close the cases? The court observed that the proceedings had become a "witch hunt" against the foundation and its leader, and there was no reasonable basis for the allegations.
5. What impact will the ruling have on the Isha Foundation? The ruling is expected to restore the reputation of the foundation and may encourage people to seek spiritual guidance there without fear of being accused of illegal practices.
In a major win for spiritual leader Sadhguru, the Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition against his ashram, Isha Yoga Centre, made by a retired professor claiming that his two daughters were being held captive and brainwashed there. The court deemed the allegations "completely inappropriate" and cited the women's statements that they were living in the ashram voluntarily. The apex court criticized the malafide intent behind the petition, calling for more responsible use of the court's time. The court also stated that closure of the case would not affect any regulatory compliances, such as the requirement for an internal complaint committee in institutions with women and minors.
A police report submitted to the Supreme Court in response to a habeas corpus petition alleging illegal confinement at Sadhguru's Isha Foundation found no evidence to support the claims. However, the report highlights concerns over the functioning of internal mechanisms at the foundation and documents cases of disappearances and suicides over the past 15 years. The report also details a case of alleged sexual assault at the foundation, raising questions about its safety and oversight policies.
In an interview with ANI, Congress MP Kumari Selja addressed speculation of discontent with the party's decisions in the Haryana elections. She reiterated her loyalty to the party and expressed concerns about ticket distribution processes. Selja also reflected on her long career with Congress and asserted the importance of respect within the party.
In response to a recent surge in hoax calls about bombs on Indian flights, the Centre is contemplating amending The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982. This would enable stricter measures to be taken against disruptors, whether they make the calls from inside the flight or on the ground. This move comes after more than 30 hoax calls were received by airlines in the past five days, leading to disruptions in services and concerns for passenger safety.
The Israeli Defense Forces have released drone footage allegedly showing the final moments of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. The video shows a man sitting inside a damaged apartment, believed to be Sinwar, and throwing a stick at an approaching drone before the building collapsed. Israeli leaders are celebrating his death as a victory and a turning point in the fight against Hamas in Gaza.
A fast-track court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced a Muslim youth to life imprisonment for illegally converting a Hindu woman to Islam through marriage and fraudulent means, a phenomenon known as "love jihad". The court's 42-page order stated that the main objective of love jihad is to establish dominance over India through demographic war and international conspiracy. This case sheds light on the ongoing debate about the prevalence of love jihad and the potential consequences if it is not addressed by the Indian government.
Hoax bomb threats continue to plague domestic airlines in India, with multiple flights receiving threats for the fourth consecutive day. Authorities have suspended or blocked about 10 social media handles for issuing these threats, while Air India and other airlines have taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu is looking into amending regulations for strict action against those responsible, as investigations have revealed the involvement of individuals, minors, and pranksters in these threats. The Royal Air Force was forced to escort one of the flights to its destination, and common phrases and words used in these fake threats have been identified by security agencies.
After communal violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district during a Durga Puja immersion procession, local authorities have been taking steps to restore peace and normalcy. Internet services have been restored and police are urging residents to prioritize communal harmony and ignore false information spread through social media. A recent wolf pack sighting has also caused panic among locals in the area.
The National Conference (NC) leader, Omar Abdullah, took oath as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Along with five other ministers, the NC government made efforts to ensure equal representation from both Jammu and Kashmir provinces. In his first address, Omar made it clear that his government will work towards bridging the gap between people and the administration, and prioritizing balanced political representation. Despite facing criticism for not including the Congress in the government, senior Congress leaders and other political leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi guaranteed his support and cooperation for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir under Omar's leadership.